Beggars 'back on city's streets'

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Flowers, copies of a homeless magazine and fake documentation have been seized in a police operation against city centre beggars.

But hours after officers swooped to deal with 16 beggars in Belfast, there were reports that some were back.

Some of them had been using children to appeal to passers by, police said.

There were complaints that they had been aggressive. Some were selling copies of the Irish Issue magazine without the correct authorisation.

However, PSNI inspector Robert Murdie said this was a case where prosecution was not the solution.

Patricia Lewsley said action must be taken

Interpreters have been brought in to talk to some of the beggars who are mainly from Eastern Europe.

"The operation has made an immediate impact in reducing the number of people begging," he said.

"We did this through a graduated approach of education and enforcement as there are cases where prosecution will not solve all of the issue."

Police have been working with the Irish Issue - a magazine sold by homeless people - to ensure that its code of conduct is being adhered to.

Social services have also been contacted to ensure that homeless people are given support and that children are not used as beggars.

"Yesterday (Thursday) my officers were out on the street with the remit of aresting or reporting to the PPS anyone who was involved in illegal begging.

"Fortunately, the message seems to be getting through and we did not have to make any arrests."

Last week, children's commissioner Patricia Lewsley said she had been "shocked" by continuing reports of children begging at the behest of what appears to be organised gangs.

"When there are reports of babies being held by begging adults and children working selling flowers late at night it is a matter of extreme urgency that action is taken," she said.